Consulate corps believes relations with the new Government will remain positive
Consuls from all over the world and representatives of international organisations attended the swearing-in ceremony, in which Artur Mas took office. All of them stressed the “good relations” between their countries and Catalonia, which they believe will not change.
Barcelona (ACN) - Many foreign representatives attended the solemn ceremony in the Sant Jordi room. Barcelona, due to its political particularities as capital of a stateless nation, holds one of the largest consulate corps in the world. Most attended the swearing-in ceremony and the subsequent reception. In very diplomatic terms, all of them stressed the good relations their countries have with Catalonia and its government. They also explained that they expect no change with the new Government. Representatives of international organisations were also present.
The UK Consul General in Barcelona, Andrew Gwatkin, expressed “the importance” of the relationship between his country and Catalonia. “We always want to work with Catalonia,” he stated. Gawtkin underlined the “political and cultural exchange” as well as the “business relationship” as the main working axes of the UK-Catalonia relationship. Gwatkin also explained that the Consulate works for UK companies, helping them to find business opportunities in the Catalan market.
Greece’s Honorary Consul, Fernando Turró Homedes, explained that they “work mainly on cultural and touristic affairs.” Turró underlined the good relationship between Greece and Catalonia. He also explained that Catalonia’s economic situation is not comparable to that of Greece, adding that Catalonia is “Spain’s economic engine”.
“The relationship between Ukraine and Catalonia is very positive at present and we hope it can improve further,” stated Dmytro Podoina, General Consul of Ukraine in Barcelona. Podoine judges “culture, economy and sport” to be the main focus of collaboration within the bilateral relationship. He believes that the new term represents “a democracy and change symbol” for Catalonia. He also expects that Ukraine’s relationship with Catalonia will not change, stating that “Ukraine consulate was already working in Barcelona when Jordi Pujol was President.”